Former Charlton player Brown will have an MR scan to discover the extent of the problem although he is not thought to have any long-term damage.

Pardew said: "Brownie has had a history of a bad knee and it has given us a scare.

"We'll give him a scan and have a good look around. If he does miss the kick-off it will be a big blow as he looks in really good shape."

Newman, though, should be back for Friday night's final pre-season friendly at home to FA Cup finalists Southampton.

Their absence tonight at the Fitness First Stadium will allow John Mackie, who has recovered from a slight knock, to fill the void in the heart of the back line alongside skipper Adie Williams, although youngster Peter Castle is also expected to travel with the squad.

Striker Nicky Forster (ankle) and Graeme Murty (stomach) are both fit and available for tonight's clash with the Second Division Cherries, who clinched promotion last season via the play-offs.

Reading have used their pre-season friendlies to look at various formations and the system tonight could again change throughout the match with most players having a run-out on the south coast or at Didcot tomorrow (7.30pm).

Williams said: "We are having a look at different systems with different personnel and that's the sign of a good manager.

"Nothing is set in stone and he wants to have a look at all options available. But by the time the Ipswich game comes around we will have everything nailed down and we'll know exactly what we're doing."

Pardew said: "It will be a strong team because we've only got two games left, but really I just want the boys to get through it and up to speed. The only thing that matters about pre-season is that we are ready for the first game.

"It doesn't matter what happens against Bournemouth and Southampton although you don't want a 6-1 defeat like Wolves (who lost to non-league Morecambe).

"What is important is that we still have 11 days before the start of the Ipswich game and the boys are in fine fettle. That's a long time to prepare and I'm not too worried about the results in between.

"It's not like during the season when you are playing on a Saturday and again on a Tuesday so you only have one day in between."

* JAMIE CURETON made an instant impact for his new Korean club Busan Icons as he netted the only goal in a 2-1 defeat against basement side Bucheon on Saturday.